Pages

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Graduate Admissions: Step by Step

By Mohsen Aladwani

Student: Regis University

Attending grad school in the U.S. is a dream for many students. However, it is important to understand the graduation admissions process before applying. Preparation, choosing the right university and program, and completing the application are the main steps that every student needs to complete. Handling these steps the right way will increase your chances of getting into graduate school in America.

First of all, international students need to prepare at home before they can come to the U.S. Students from non-English speaking countries need to translate their documents from their own language to English. They may need to have their original transcript evaluated by a service like WES. And they must apply for an F-1 student visa to study in America.

The second step is choosing universities and programs that match your interests. This is a difficult task because you need to learn a lot about a school to make a good choice. You should look at several aspects to gain a comprehensive view, including both the institution and its location. Look up the faculty at every school on your list and see if they share your interests. Research course offerings. And examine the communities in which the schools are located; consider factors such as safety, cost of living, weather, and public transportation.

Finally, you will need to complete the application. Requirements change from one school to another, so it’s essential that you visit each university’s website for exact requirements. Check departmental websites, too, for more detailed instructions. In general, however, you will need to submit the following:

List of documents required to apply to U.S. universities:

· Bank check for application fee (if not paid online)

· Three letters of recommendation

· Proof of English-language proficiency. (There are two ways to determine your English proficiency: completion of level 112 of ELS' English for Academic Purposes program; and official TOEFL or IELTS scores)

· Official GRE/GMAT scores report

· Original transcripts along with credential evaluation

· Bachelor’s degree certificate

· SSC/10th or equivalent certificate

· 12th/intermediate or equivalent certificate

· Statement of purpose

· Bank statement or financial guarantee from a sponsor

· Affidavit

· Job experience certificate

· Photo copies of first and last pages of your passport

After completing the application and sending all required documents to the office of admissions, you’ll have to wait until the department makes a decision. This takes some time, so try to be patient. Apply early so you don’t run into any time issues. While waiting for the university to make a decision, you can utilize your time by preparing for the program.

In conclusion, studying in America is a great opportunity for international students to not only improve their education, but also to expand their experiences and learn new cultures. Study abroad can enable students to work directly with some of the outstanding professors in their fields of study. There are, however, several steps that must be taken by students in order for them to get admitted to U.S. universities. Good luck!